'It was always part of my dad's plan' Steve Irwin's daughter and family celebrate the opening of Bindi's Island at Australia Zoo designed by the late crocodile hunter

January 5, 2015 8:46 AM

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The celebratory moment was even more poignant as the tropical paradise was the brainchild of the late crocodile hunter Steve Irwin, husband of Terri, 50, Bindi, 16, and Bob, 10.

'This was always part of my dad's plan for Australia Zoo and we are so proud to be carrying on in his footsteps, making Australia Zoo even bigger and better,' said Bindi in an interview with Sunshine Coast Daily in December.

The wildlife warrior who has made it her life's mission to carry on the work championed by her famed father, who tragically died in 2006 after being pierced by a stingray barb, said she was 'thrilled' to be officially opening the tropical wonderland.

Dressed in her favoured khaki uniform the talented teen was beaming widely as she was joined by her mother and little brother Bob, who looked equally proud to be there.

Getting into the party spirit the trio donned brightly coloured flower garlands around their necks, and watched while a riot of dancers adorned with feathered headdresses and grass skirts performed for the crowd.

Later the animal loving family posing beside a giant aldabran tortoise, with Bindi gamely resting her chin and hands on the shell of the normally reclusive animal.

The new island is set to wow visitors to the iconic tourist destination with an incredible three-storey treehouse, inspired by films Bindi the Jungle girl and Return to Nim's Island.

Offering 360-degree views of the Zoo's parkland, eagle eyed guests will get a chance to view the park's latest addition - cheeky ring-tailed lemurs, on display for the first time.

Guests will arrive in the lush and heady land to find themselves surrounded by a riot of wildlife, including macaws, giant aldabran tortoises, an alligator-snapping turtle and boa constrictors.